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Columbia Gorge Wedding & Event Site

Weddings in the Columbia Gorge

Stevenson, Washington
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Archives for November 2017

The Best Little Wedding Gift

November 15, 2017 by Molly Leave a Comment

PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

 

 

Two things are true in this world. Number one: the best thing you can put on your wedding registry is a cast iron skillet. Number two: the best wedding gift you can buy for a couple is a cast iron skillet.

It’s taken me years to figure this out.

Seriously, years!

If I really think about it, cast iron is one item that I have never seen on a wedding registry.

And, I’ve been to a LOT of weddings in my life.

I’m not sure why I have never thought to gift one. In fact, I just went to a wedding last month and went straight to their registry.

Quite honestly, my parents would just cringe at the thought of one not being exposed to the greats of cast iron cooking.

After all, I grew up with it since I was in the womb.

We used it everywhere — in our home, our cabin and our campsite.

It always seemed like a rustic choice compared to my friends’ more modern kitchens. But, it was home for me.

I’m pretty sure the first time I moved into my own place, my parents passively stuck their old cast iron skillet on my shelf. They didn’t expect me to like it or thank them. It was just part of life. Almost like a roll of toilet paper. You just need it, plain and simple.

And, guess what – that skillet is still sitting on my shelf five houses later.

So, people – if you have not experienced true cast iron cooking – then you have not lived!

Why is it the best?

Glad you asked.

This basic looking piece of metal is super versatile.

Think breakfast, lunch, dinner AND dessert. Yes, bake a pie in this thing and you will not be disappointed.

You can literally cook any dish in this skillet and the best part is, the food doesn’t stick.

You can also use the pan anywhere. Use it over the camp fire or transfer the skillet from stovetop to oven. Less dishes to wash, yay!

Speaking of washing, you don’t wash cast iron. Yes, you read that clearly. Soap ruins the seasoned skillet. All it takes is quick wipe with a clean cloth or paper napkin, followed by a bit of oil and boom. You are done. (For more cleaning tips, visit the Pioneer Woman for some great (and simple) advice).

Have you ever shopped for a cast iron skillet? They are super affordable. Sure, some brands charge way more than you would ever need to spend. Don’t get me wrong, the shiny and colorful ones are beautiful eye candy sitting on your stove. But, for the most part you can pick up a new, basic black skillet for $20-30. Pretty good, huh? And, what’s even cooler is that they’re floating around many garage and estate sales for a few bucks. (Side note: don’t let a rusty one deter you. It can be cleaned and seasoned in a matter of a few hours, looking polished and new again).

Once you’ve had a home cooked meal on cast iron, you will learn quickly. It truly gives every bit of food so much more flavor. Yum-o!

And, I guarantee you that it will be the only wedding gift that will last generations down the road.

Definitely worth it.

Oh, and I almost forgot – this cooking tool doubles as a weapon. Yes! Keep the baseball bat and other pointy objects in the garage. Learn from modern-day Rapunzel when she cloaked an intruder over the head in her tower with her cast iron frying pan. He was out cold.

Tell us, whatcha cookin’ in your cast iron skillet?

 

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Divine Caramel Apples

November 9, 2017 by Molly Leave a Comment

PHOTO CREDIT: Festival Brides

 

Fall is in full swing around here and who doesn’t love everything about it?! The harvesting is truly the best part of the season, though. We, quite literally, get to enjoy the fruits of our labor. All of those long, summer months of gardening and watering finally paid off with luscious, home-grown fruits and vegetables.

The two front runners in my mind are the apple and the pumpkin. But, don’t you think pumpkins are getting all of the limelight? I mean, as early as the beginning of September grocery stores are pushing the pumpkins before you walk in, social media is littered with pumpkin patch glory, and before you know it, it’s time to pull out the red and green.

Why aren’t apples getting much attention? They are definitely a staple in my house all year long. After all, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. (Sorry, I can get corny.) But this season brings the most delicious and mouth-watering apples ever – especially in our home state of Washington!

My list could go on and on… apple pie, apple cake, apple bread, apple cobbler, apple sauce, apple salads, apple tarts, apple muffins, apple dumplings, apple cider, apple crisp, apple sandwiches (I know you are probably feeling like you are watching a terrible spin-off of Forrest Gump – I’ll stop here) … and, my personal favorite — caramel apples.

Mmmmmmmmmm……….

Whether you dip apple slices into oozing caramel or have a traditional caramel apple on a stick – there is just nothing as sweet.

So why not serve such a delectable and classic (and simple) dessert at your special day?

Maybe a dessert bar:

Or, a favor:

Whole:

Or, sliced:

Basic:

Or, gourmet:

 

And then tie it all in with a cake:

 

Your guests will not be disappointed. And frankly, you won’t either when you take home all of the leftovers!

If there are any leftovers!

Visit our Pinterest board for more inspiration.

Tell us, what is your favorite way to eat a caramel apple?

 

 

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